South Africa Highest Unemployment Rate
34.01%
The highest unemployment rate in South Africa was 34.01% in 2021. The top 5 years were: 2021 (34.01%), 2022 (33.27%), 2025 (32.39%), 2024 (32.28%), 2023 (32.10%).
Top 5 Highest Years▾
All Data (sorted by value)▾
| Year | Value | Change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 32.39% | −0.21pp | 180th |
| 2024 | 32.28% | −0.10pp | 186th |
| 2022 | 33.27% | −1.03pp | 190th |
| 2021 | 34.01% | +4.83pp | 190th |
| 2023 | 32.10% | −1.40pp | 188th |
| 2020 | 29.22% | +0.52pp | 190th |
| 2019 | 28.47% | +1.34pp | 191st |
| 2018 | 26.91% | −0.54pp | 191st |
| 2017 | 27.04% | +0.31pp | 191st |
| 2016 | 26.54% | +1.19pp | 191st |
| 2015 | 25.15% | +0.05pp | 188th |
| 2014 | 24.89% | +0.16pp | 187th |
| 2013 | 24.56% | −0.31pp | 186th |
| 2012 | 24.73% | −0.07pp | 185th |
| 2011 | 24.64% | −0.24pp | 187th |
Related
Unemployment Rate (all years)
Lowest ever
Average
Unemployment Rate 1990s
Unemployment Rate 2000s
Unemployment Rate 2010s
Unemployment Rate 2020s
Youth Unemployment
Labor Force Participation
Female Labor Participation
Agriculture Employment
Industry Employment
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